The build-up lasted a full four months. From the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School to the State of the Union and rallies afterward, tougher laws on gun control were debated and pored over until U.S. Senators finally voted 54-46 in favor of an amendment to strengthen background checks at gun shows and online. However, [...]
Sandy, education and economic development were top priorities in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget, but despite the unexpected costs from the storm, the proposed plan eliminates a $1.3 billion gap with no new taxes or fees. “By making difficult decisions over the past two years we have brought stability, predictability, and common sense to the [...]
The top has come off for one Astoria bikini bar. Slinking under the guise of a regular lounge, Queen of Hearts’ thinly-veiled attempt to renew its liquor license, without alerting the State Liquor Authority (SLA) that it’s gone nearly-naked, has local leaders drafting legislation to expose them and similarly shady businesses. Initiated by Assemblymember Aravella [...]
Seth Pinsky, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), made clear that as business sectors based in the city move forward, technology will become more crucial. “As we like to say at EDC: whereas in the past the technology industry was a sector; increasingly, today, the economy itself is the tech sector.” [...]
Residents are worried that an uncovered bid for an Astoria bikini bar may be a scantily-clad plan to wiggle a strip club into their neighborhood. Racks, the club located at 19-26 Steinway Street, was recently leased to a company called 8G Inc. Formerly a billiard parlor, the establishment sits just half a block from homes, [...]
BY SENATOR MICHAEL GIANARIS Recent horrific acts of gun violence should lead us all to say “enough is enough.” It is long past time to improve our gun laws and make our streets safer. Almost every day, we hear about another senseless attack in New York City, where the number of shootings over the last [...]
Recently rolled out MTA restorations drew praise from many, though some advocates and politicians said Queens riders were still left in the lurch. Following deep 2010 slashes to service in the five boroughs, the MTA announced $29 million in restorations and new service to dozens of subway lines and bus routes accounting for approximately one-third [...]
A deserted, seven-acre stretch of formerly industrial Astoria waterfront could soon have new life, as a New Jersey development group announced plans to build seven multifamily residential towers as soon as 2013. Lincoln Equities Group, the company behind the estimated billion-dollar complex called the Hallets Point project, said the buildings will have 2,200 units as [...]
The Queens GOP has turned to an independent in hopes of unseating Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Michael Gianaris in the 12th District. The borough’s Republican Party announced its unanimous endorsement of Aurelio Antonio “Tony” Arcabascio for State Senate on May 5. Arcabascio, a senior level technology professional for 25 years, is also seeking [...]
Businesses can now feel safe about being good Samaritans. Senator Michael Gianaris announced on December 22 that he has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding upon New York’s “Good Samaritan” laws. If passed, the legislation would protect businesses and non-profits offering themselves as safe havens to citizens in distress from being held liable for damages [...]
